Indigenous perspectives on Climate Change
ESG
Written by Star Horn, Kanien'kehá:ka artist
The overall shape and form of the piece is that of a flower. The human forms emanate from the center seed pod like petals. I envisioned the concept of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion as a form seen in the distance to be 'whole,' where upon closer inspection the wonderful details and diversity of its elements are revealed.
Diversity: As each leaf has a different shape, color, width and length, and lifespan, they all hold a place of importance. Some are meant to feed the insects and birds, others to shield animals from the hot sun or hide nests. All are meant to gather in the energy of the sun to provide the tree with life. Leaves, and the bush or tree they derive from, in their diversity, serve many purposes.
Diversity in nature is strength - "All these beings compete fiercely for resources, but also depend on one another to cope with and adapt to changes in the environment. (A forest's) variety of life, provides strength and resilience for the future1.”
Equity: The persons represented in this piece are of two colours and varying sizes. Each holds their space and place amongst each other to build the 'whole'. This 'whole' could be equality in families, communities, the various genders, the young and the elder, two cultures, two nations. Each holds an equal part of the resources they are surrounded by, to be used responsibly and with gratitude to the Creator.
Inclusion: At first glance, the various coloured leaves encircling the people look uniform, whole, and identical. Upon closer inspection the opposite holds true; many have 'imperfections' and are misshapen or have entire sections missing.
Like people or animals, this lack of 'perfection' does not make them less valuable nor unimportant. Other aspects such as their vibrant color and strong stem keeps them as part of an important link in the ecosystem.
Blue: The central blue area takes the shape of a water well, or the center of a flower. Water is one of the most important elements we have on earth. It is placed centered, sustaining and enveloping the people.
Cedar Boughs: The cedar boughs encircle and protect the people/flower. Cedar is burned during prayers so the smoke will carry the prayers to the Creator. In some First Nations, cedar boughs and sage are mixed together and spread on the floors of sweat lodges. Cedar is also burned to drive out negative energies and usher in positive energies, and cedar boughs are waved to purify homes. Yellow cedar bark is known to contain an anti-inflammatory agent and was used as to treat wounds. Cedar also was used in cleansing baths which involve plunging into cold water and using bundles of cedar and other medicinal plants to scrub the skin clean2.
Yellow: The yellow represents the sun; the giver of heat, light, and life.
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[1] https://www.fundersnetwork.org/diversity-is-natures-greatest-strength-it-should-be-ours-too/
